The former executive director of the Allegheny County Democratic Party in Pennsylvania says he was forced out because of an old Facebook post that showed a picture of him and his wife with the words, “I stand for the flag, I kneel at the cross.”

I’m an extremely patriotic person. I love the United States of America. I am forever deeply grateful for the countless blessings that I’ve enjoyed because of the freedom that is part of the foundation of this great country. Had I been asked to do so, I would have fought in any war to defend our country. And yes, I celebrated the 4th of July with fireworks and hotdogs and a profound expression of thanksgiving to God for all that he has enabled this country to do for its citizens as well as people from around the world.

But I’m deeply concerned about those who would turn patriotism into nationalism, as if to suggest that Jesus is himself an American, or that America is itself in some sort of covenant with God. Let’s never forget that the only “nation” with which God has established a covenant is the Church of Jesus Christ. This is one of the glorious truths of the New Covenant under whose blessings we live.